There is a material as well as a spiritual side to our church work, which cannot be neglected without loss. We have a world-wide program, and the material machine or organization is a valuable vehicle to bear this saving truth to every land. However, the message itself, as well as the work of the messenger, is pre-eminently spiritual. As preachers, as leaders, we must beware lest we substitute or mistake material achievements for spiritual advancement.
Nor must we forget that the divine Leader of this work is not in need of material things. He already possesses all the material things of earth. The one thing above all else, that which He purchased with His own blood, and yet does not possess unless it is willingly given, is the human heart. The possession of the heart is a spiritual, not a material, problem. And since we are His undershepherds, ordained to be leaders of the flock, the most vital question confronting our ministry is not material but spiritual: How shall we win men to give their hearts to God?
We are cheered because of the success and triumph of our work in all lands; yet it would be folly to deny or ignore the fact that we, preachers and people alike, are in need of a deeper spiritual experience. The following quotations, first appearing in the eighties and nineties, emphasize this need:
"It is a solemn statement that I make to the church, that not one in twenty whose names are registered upon the church books, are prepared to close their earthly history, and would be as verily without God and without hope in the world as the common sinner."—General Conference Bulletin, 1893, p. 132.
"A revival of true godliness among us is the greatest and most urgent of all our needs. To seek this should be our first work."—Review and Herald, March 22, 1887.
These statements, and many others that might be given, should stir the heart of every preacher, and cause him to make the revival of true godliness in his own life his first work, ever remembering that a true and lasting revival and reformation must have for its foundation the conviction of sin, followed by genuine repentance, with a revelation and acceptance of the righteousness of Jesus Christ. As we gain this experience ourselves, we shall become more and more qualified to feed the flock committed to our care, to lead them to higher and holier living, and to spiritualize all the material activities of the church.
Naturally, this is what every true-hearted minister desires to accomplish. But how shall it be brought about? We have been told that a thorough understanding of the book of Revelation would create a real revival. "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy," God declares, and who "keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand." When we as a people understand what the book of Revelation means to us, there will be seen among us a great revival.
"When the books of Daniel and Revelation are better understood, believers will have an entirely different religious experience. They will be given such glimpses of the open gates of heaven that heart and mind will be impressed with the character that all must develop in order to realize the blessedness which is to be the reward of the pure in heart."—"Testimonies to Ministers," p. 114.
From my own experience, I am convinced that the greatest spiritual service we can render to believers and unbelievers alike is to live and preach the gospel as found in the book of Revelation, always keeping in the forefront the Lamb of God and His righteousness as the one remedy for sin.
Spokane, Wash.
